Cathepsin-D expression in breast lesion: an immunohistochemical study
Iulia Brujan1, Cl Mărgăritescu, Cristiana Simionescu
1Department of Physiopathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania.
Summary
Cathepsin-D (CathD) expression is significantly stronger in malignant breast diseases than benign ones. This protease was found in both epithelial and stromal cells, with higher levels in invasive carcinomas, especially those with metastases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cathepsin-D (CathD) is a lysosomal protease with roles in antigen processing and cell regulation.
- Its expression patterns in various breast lesions require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare Cathepsin-D expression in common breast tumors and tumor-like lesions.
- To evaluate CathD's role in different breast pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded breast tissue from 21 patients.
- Quantification of CathD staining using integrated optical density (IOD) to assess area and pixel intensity.
Main Results:
- CathD immunostaining was more pronounced in invasive breast carcinomas and macrophages.
- Adenosis showed the highest signal intensity among benign lesions (p<0.001).
- Malignant lesions, particularly G3 ductal invasive carcinoma with metastases, exhibited stronger CathD expression in cellular compartments.
Conclusions:
- CathD expression is significantly elevated in malignant breast disease compared to benign conditions.
- CathD is present in both neoplastic epithelial and stromal cells.
- The IOD method offers a more accurate and consistent assessment of CathD expression.
